Starting an LLC in Virginia: The Complete Checklist

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Forming a Virginia LLC is not complicated, but skipping a step can cost you later with your bank, a lender, or the IRS. Here is the full checklist.

Before you file

1. Pick and check your name. Search the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) Clerk's Information System to make sure the name is available. It must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company."
2. Choose a registered agent. A person or company with a Virginia street address who accepts legal papers for your business during business hours. You can serve as your own if you meet the requirements.
3. Decide on ownership. Single-member or multi-member, who owns what percentage, and who manages the business.

Form the LLC

1. File Articles of Organization with the SCC. Filing online is fastest. The SCC charges a state filing fee.
2. Get your EIN from the IRS. It is free at IRS.gov and takes a few minutes. Never pay a website to get one for you.
3. Sign an operating agreement. Virginia does not require you to file it, but banks, lenders, and courts expect it, and it protects your liability shield. It matters even for a one-person LLC.
4. Open a business bank account. Keep business and personal money completely separate. Mixing them is one of the fastest ways to weaken your liability protection.

Register and license

1. Local business license. Most Virginia cities and counties require a business license (often called a BPOL license). Check with your local Commissioner of the Revenue.
2. Virginia Tax registration. If you will collect sales tax or have employees, register with Virginia Tax.
3. Professional licenses and permits if your industry requires them.

Stay in good standing every year

• Pay the SCC annual registration fee by the last day of the month you formed the LLC, every year. Missing it can lead to the SCC cancelling your LLC.
• Keep your registered agent and address current with the SCC.
• File your tax returns. A single-member LLC is reported on your personal return by default. A multi-member LLC files a partnership return unless it elects otherwise.
• Keep your books current so you know your numbers and are ready at tax time.

Want it done for you? Our Business Formation service handles the filing, EIN, operating agreement, and banking documents as one flat fee.

This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice for your specific situation. Every case is different. Always check the dates and amounts printed on your own documents.